The Release of Opposition figures in Azerbaijan for Novruz
The United States welcomes the broad March 18 pardon and release of more than 30 secular and religious opposition figures, all of whom Azerbaijani NGOs consider to have been incarcerated for exercising their fundamental freedoms. They include journalist Elchin Ismayilli and many individuals unjustly incarcerated after the 2015 Nardaran events.
In the spirit of the traditional Novruz New Year, we call on Azerbaijan to take additional steps by releasing all others considered to have been incarcerated for exercising their fundamental freedoms.